My dog is a little too agressive at the dog park

cgm707

I am going to try putting her on a leash and a time-out

She won't have a clue why you're putting her on a leash and giving her a time out.  Putting her on a leash and restraining her could actually make her more reactive to other dogs.  I don't recommend this method, at all.

Many dogs aren't good candidates for dog parks and Sophie sounds like she might be one of those dogs.  There's nothing wrong with that, in my opinion.  Dog parks are loved by many but I think they can create more problems than many people realize.  You could face some pretty serious problems if she ever causes injury to another dog, not to mention the fact that I'm sure you would feel terrible for the other dog and owner. This kind of behavior usually gets worse, not better when dogs are continually put in this situation.  Not all dogs like every dog they meet and many don't like the rough and tumble play style often encountered at dog parks.  They aren't bad dogs with behavior problems they just don't happen to enjoy that setting with strange dogs. 

I agree with Jackie.  Some of my crew do great at the dog park, some not so great and some really suck at interaction.  And, that's ok.  They all relate well to their own pack, and for those who don't relate well to others, not a big deal as I am not asking them to do SAR or be in situations where they need to "play nice with others".

Personally?  I think that dog parks can be VERY stressful for some dogs.  Remember, those "strange" dogs don't know your girls triggers, and I suspect they are doing things that stress her more than she can handle.  Perhaps a better idea would be to find a trainer who does play groups that your gal could join slowly and at her own pace.

I take Gibby to the dog park..but not that often. He is one that really don't like other dogs bugging him, and he doesn't really see the dog park as a place to play with dogs....he likes to play with us,  maybe that Sophies problem..as you say you usually throw a ball fo her.  When I take Gibby a lot there is no one there....so we let him run by throwing a ball....but when there is dogs there...it does'nt work as well as other dogs chase too. I don't think Gibbys problem is the ball as he doesn't fight for it...its just when other dogs start running almost on him..he gets aggravated...especially when they are barking. He goes to play days at Camp Bow Wow a lot where is is used to being by the other dogs so its not that he doesn't like other dogs. I think he just likes to play the way he likes to play.  HHHmm!

A agree with the girls above...the dog parks are not for a lot of dogs...... and I definately would not leash him there...it would make matters far worse....besides its probably dangerous.

Try taking him to an organized Day Care to be with other dogs, it might help.

Hi Jackie, thank you very much for your detailed answer. Someone at the dog park today told me the same thing you did, that putting Sophie on a leash might make her more reactive to other dogs. I've been taking Sophie to the park since we first got her, and I think she genuinely enjoys it, but I agree. The park isn't for every one. I live on a quarter-acre, and although Sophie does get some exercise there, much of the land is gardened, although there is a path. I worry that she won't get enough exercise if I don't take her to the park, and will have behavior problems out of frustration. I may start jogging, and then I could take her on a run with me, which would give her plenty of exercise. 

 Just to re-iterate, I would not take Sophie to the dog park anymore personally. Please keep in mind that every negative encounter that she has only reinforces that behavior and it will get worse and worse over time. You should strive to have every encounter that your dog has with other dogs be positive only. Don't put your dog in a position to fail.

Also, I agree with everyone else. Putting the dog on leash will make it more reactive, not less. This is because the dog feels more vulnerable on leash. With the leash, you have taken the "flight" out of the "fight or flight" instinct. Therefore, the only option the dog has if it is uncomfortable is to fight.

i know that it is a tough decision to stop taking your dog to the dog park when you otherwise both enjoy it. I have one dog that I had to stop taking. 2 are fine with the dog park, but this one in particular is not comfortable with the unpredictability of the other visiting dogs. When she interacts with other dogs, i have to make sure it is dogs that I know she will be comfortable and happy with. 

cgm707

I live on a quarter-acre, and although Sophie does get some exercise there, much of the land is gardened, although there is a path. I worry that she won't get enough exercise if I don't take her to the park, and will have behavior problems out of frustration.

I take my dog to places where i can find really open spaces (soccer fields, regular parks, estate parks, country, etc.). There are plenty other places out there that you can use (unless you live in New York City). If you are not really confident on having your dog off leash on a non fenced area just buy a 50 foot rope in Target for $10 and attach it to her.

If there are days that you can not take her just buy a doggie back pack and walk her around your neighborhood to burn some energy. If she has prey drive you can also use a flirt pole to make her run and jump.

espencer

I take my dog to places where i can find really open spaces (soccer fields, regular parks, estate parks, country, etc.). There are plenty other places out there that you can use (unless you live in New York City). If you are not really confident on having your dog off leash on a non fenced area just buy a 50 foot rope in Target for $10 and attach it to her.

If there are days that you can not take her just buy a doggie back pack and walk her around your neighborhood to burn some energy. If she has prey drive you can also use a flirt pole to make her run and jump.

I would find ways of exercising and interacting with the dog and not use the dog park as the only exercise (even if the dog did enjoy it).  Honestly, the reason I avoid dog parks even with my dog that loves it is because there are too many dogs like in this thread, dogs that clearly are not comfortable with being there and get put into situations that just escalate their reactivity and stress level.  It is not fair for that dog or any of the other dogs at the dog park.

Liesje

would find ways of exercising and interacting with the dog an

Here are some ways that you can interact

Tracking

Agility

Rally and or obedience

Learning to paly with your dog.

My Lab was never bothered in parks, but i know that many Labs do bother smaller dogs. I don't let my poodles go near them, there is a fatal phrase that you hear which means go NOW " He/She only wants to play" Which means that you are about to see a real doggy bully that is not under control

 Dogs have many different play styles, often breed orientated. Poodles are pretty keen on chasey games, Labs are often in to real rough body slamming type play, as are some GSDs.

 Tootsie, my corgi, is sweet as pie to everyone. Put her in a dog park and shes a different dog. 1.) Shes a herder, so that means no inappropriate sniffing and doG forbid someone humps her! 2.) She is a people dog. Would much rather get attention from the humans because shes cute and knows it. 3.) She doesn't play.

Put Tootsie in an uncontrollable place like a dogpark and she basically shuts down.

I have been in Ridgebacks for 30 years.  I have all of my dogs Temperament Tested  and We know as close to 100% what their triggers may be. We do not frequent dog parks at all. While my dogs are wonderful ambassadors of the breed and excellent therapy dogs they are all most happy if working.  I can run my 6 together, and with puppies who are frequent guests but I never do so with out supervison.  My dogs are trained from puppyhood to handle the chaos of dog shows, schools (and even dog parks when necessary for a community event / fund raiser). That training is not an over night thing. It involves first teaching the pup to be confident on and off  the lead and then introducing the pup to strange places,  dogs and people. I routinally take pups to the front of our local Wal Mart Super Center where we position ourselves close to the doors. They are given treats and worked in show stacks while Strangers are welcomed to come up and talk to us , pet the pup give them a treat etc...  They are working under stress in the begining , wheels on carts rattling , children misbehaving and high foot traffic combined with the parking lot traffic only a few feet away.  We do this with both our show pups and our companion pups. Confidence is a precious gift to give your dog.

The reactions you describe sound very much like an insecure dog.  One who is constantly looking over it's shoulder and unable to relax due to the stressors that can be all engulfing at any dog park.  Before a dog can really enjoy the "joy of a dog park" they must feel secure with you on and off lead.  Routine recall work,  heeling and stay ( in sit and down positions) really help enourmously when teaching your dog to be less reactive to stressors. You MUST watch your dog and know their body language. Dogs do not suddenly snap. They show in posture, ears and gait their concern or insecurity long before they growl or launch after another animal. If you learn your dog's signals you will always be one step ahead of problems.  Taking the dog with you as often as possible enables you to learn and see the dialogue every dog maintains. The combination of breeds you said your dog is comprised of tells even more about what will help make her m ore comfortable in the world. Both breeds are work oriented.  They thrive on having a function or job.  This is where heeling both on and off lead is a wonderful tool since you can begin the game / job at any point and they know what you are expecting.  While a doberman tends to be less concerned with reasons , ridgebacks MUST understand what and why you are asking them to do something. The easist answer is to teach her that her response to the game / job makes you very happy.  Ridgebacks do not respond well to high squeaky voices, they look for and prefer a moderate tone in your voice with positive high lights. If the dog does something to displease you , you stand very still non responsive to the dog until they give you 100% of their focus.  Then you begin again.  You would never correct with anything more stern than a strong low voice  or a guteral  ATT ATT  noise.  They love anticipating what you will do and become fast learners in modified speed walks with abrupt stops and turns. Especially when you give warm and loving praise to them reacting correctly.  A bored hound can be destructive or quickly become insecure.  I would save the frisbee and ball games for the back yard when you are hoping to burn some energy but at the same time would keep in mind RRs are not known for tolerating these games for long periods. After all if you keep throwing the toy away you must not actually want it , right?  It makes good sense that you would find and work your dog in a good obedience class. You have the benefit of some structured socialization with a job for the dog to focus on.  Good Luck with your girl I am sure she is one smart dog from the breeds that blended to create her. 

Bonita of Bwana

The reactions you describe sound very much like an insecure dog.  One who is constantly looking over it's shoulder and unable to relax due to the stressors that can be all engulfing at any dog park.  Before a dog can really enjoy the "joy of a dog park" they must feel secure with you on and off lead. 

This insecurity is so easily reinforced in dog parks too, when dogs who start out communicating their needs appropriately, by turning away or lip-licking, are ignored by other dogs who continue to jump and get in the dog's face. It doesn't matter how comfortable your dog is with you on or off lead if your dog is uncomfortable with many dogs intruding in its space. I have a dog who does agility, goes to community demonstrations, and who has a very secure relationship with me, but I would still never, ever, ever take her to a dog park. It would be chaos - because at its foundation she doesn't like strange dogs in her space, and will say so in no uncertain terms.

Dog parks are good for a very specific type of personality and age level. Most dogs under the age of two seem to enjoy dog parks if they are well-rounded, but as dogs age often their interest in playing with strange dogs decreases (they maintain existing friendships, but don't have as much interest in developing new ones), and their tolerance for other rude dogs decreases as well. The same goes for the type of dog that does best there. Dog parks were developed for a great idea for finding appropriate areas to exercise dogs off-leash where dogs may not get any otherwise, but they have had a lot of problems develop as a result as well. I never take my dogs to the dog park, as like Lies said it's situations like this that make me cringe, to think that there are some dogs with potential aggression who are daily using that dog park, it's a ticking timebomb.

I too feel that it's best to remove the dog from the dog park in this case before the problem develops into a real aggression problem. I'm sure you have a great dog, I love both Dobie and Rhodies, but I'm sure she would be happier doing some of the other things listed above.

You could try biking with her, too. Of course, any of the more intense exercise routines should be preceded by a vet check, to ensure that her joints are strong and healthy (biking, backpacking, flirt pole, agility).

 My lab is like this. She does not like dogs in her space, at all. And she will correct the other dog so they do not forget (EI: snarling, snapping and pushing them away physically)  There are a few dogs who she will play with, outside of her pack.  It's just recently, and through A LOT of hard work that Maze will tolerate a dog in her face for a moment. However, left to her own devices, she'd rather just play ball with me, or tag with the other dog.

We don't have dog parks here so some of us dog owners get together and let them play. We tested the dogs together to make sure they got along, and that there were no issues. The first few play dates, we watched like a hawk to make sure nothing happened.  And I made sure everyone knew about Maze.

I did Agility with her before her heart problems, now I do tracking, therapy work and am looking into basic SchH with her.